Punta Cana weather & excursion guide — December

Punta Cana in December

December in Punta Cana sits in the peak dry season: daytime highs around 28 °C / 82 °F, lows 22 °C, sea temperature 27 °C / 81 °F, roughly 8 rainy days and 80 mm total rainfall. 11 hours of daylight, 76% humidity, and tours pricing is +15% premium over peak.

Last updated Reviewed by cana.tours editorial team

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Best excursions in Punta Cana in December

For December we book guests onto Saona Island first (sea 27 °C, Palmilla Natural Pool at its clearest in the morning), catamaran sunset cruises (sunset around 18:00–18:30), and buggy/ATV adventures (dry trails muddier and grippier — better photos). Party-boat departures run all three slots (9 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM) at $75/person — the morning slot is the smoothest in December.

Sea conditions in December

Surface temperature averages 27 °C / 81 °F. Trade winds produce light chop, 1–1.5 m, so snorkelling visibility at the Bávaro reef and Catalina is best in the morning before the breeze builds. Water clarity in the Saona starfish pools is excellent (3–6 m visibility). No jellyfish issues, no sargassum spikes typical for this month.

Party boat weather in December

Our party-boat route hugs the Bávaro shoreline — in December that means light chop, 1–1.5 m. With three daily slots (9 AM / 12 PM / 3 PM) you can pick the calmest window. The afternoon slot fills first. We also run fully private party boats for groups — fully customisable music, route, food, hours and capacity; we can make any wish happen. Hurricane risk: essentially zero — outside Atlantic basin season.

Saona Island conditions in December

Boats leave Bayahibe at 8:30 a.m. Channel crossing in December is comfortable — speedboats need ~35 min. Starfish at the natural pool are most photogenic before 11:00 a.m. Cancellation risk this month: negligible.

Our Selection

Curated excursions

Quick comparison

TourFrom (USD)DurationCheck availability
Private YachtsPrice on request tailored quote4–8 hoursCheck availabilityView
Private CatamaransPrice on request tailored quote4–8 hoursCheck availabilityView
Saona Island Premium 4 Beaches Tour$1208 hoursCheck availabilityView
Macao Buggy & Cenote Adventure$554 hoursCheck availabilityView
Party Boat & Snorkeling$753 hoursCheck availabilityView
Catalina Island Tour$998 hoursCheck availabilityView
Samaná, Cayo Levantado & El Limón Waterfall$12013 hoursCheck availabilityView
Santo Domingo City Tour: The First City of the Americas$8011 hoursCheck availabilityView
Dominican Adventure Kingdom$1298 hoursCheck availabilityView
Los Ojos Eco Journey$904 hoursCheck availabilityView
Horseback Beach Riding$652 hoursCheck availabilityView
Taíno Night Journey$1395.5 hoursCheck availabilityView

FAQ

Common questions

Is December a good month to visit Punta Cana?+

Yes — it's peak dry season with the lowest rain risk.

What's the sea temperature in December?+

Around 27 °C (81 °F) — pleasant for snorkelling, no wetsuit needed by Caribbean standards.

Will it rain a lot in December?+

Average 8 rainy days, 80 mm total. Short tropical bursts, usually clearing within an hour.

Hurricane risk in December?+

Essentially zero — outside Atlantic basin season.

Are tours cheaper in December?+

Pricing this month: +15% premium over peak.

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Plan December on WhatsApp

Plan December on WhatsApp